When the opportunity arose to test drive the 2020 Toyota Camry Trd, skepticism was my initial reaction. A Camry TRD? The name itself seemed like an oxymoron. Approaching the vehicle, the prominent rear wing hinted that this was no ordinary Camry. Indeed, the 2020 Toyota Camry TRD is very real, and surprisingly, genuinely fun to drive. It’s a Camry experience unlike any other, even for someone familiar with the model.
NASCAR-Inspired Touches on the 2020 Camry TRD
Initially, the 2020 Toyota Camry TRD might seem like a marketing gimmick, similar to other attempts to inject life into aging sedan models with superficial “performance” upgrades. However, the TRD version is a more serious endeavor than it appears. Toyota’s motivation behind creating the Camry TRD is twofold. First, to inject excitement into the midsize sedan segment, which is facing declining popularity. Second, to celebrate Toyota’s significant involvement in NASCAR. While it’s crucial to note that the Camry TRD shares no mechanical components with the high-powered NASCAR machines, the spirit of Toyota Racing Development (TRD) is definitely present in this model.
Toyota believes there’s still a market for sedans that offer engaging driving dynamics. Despite the overall sedan segment shrinking, the Toyota Camry remains a strong seller, with over 300,000 units sold in North America alone the previous year. The 2020 Toyota Camry TRD aims to appeal to drivers who appreciate the practicality of a sedan but crave a more spirited driving experience.
The foundation of the 2020 Toyota Camry TRD is the Camry XSE V6, the most powerful variant in the lineup. It retains the same 301 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque from its 3.5-liter V6 engine. This engine, a staple in many Toyota and Lexus vehicles, sends power exclusively to the front wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. The core enhancements of the TRD package lie in the chassis, braking, and suspension systems.
To sharpen handling, the Camry TRD features stiffer springs and thicker anti-roll bars (27mm versus 25.4mm) to minimize body roll during cornering. Braking performance is improved with larger front rotors, increased in diameter by 23mm. Body rigidity is enhanced through stiffer underbody braces and a V-brace behind the rear seats, contributing to improved handling precision. The dampers are also specially tuned with return springs and revised valving to react quicker during aggressive driving.
Aesthetically, the Camry TRD adopts the XSE’s two-tone color scheme and adds distinctive TRD visual cues. These include a rear wing, rear diffuser, more aggressively styled front and rear bumpers, and side skirts, all contributing to a more dynamic and sporty appearance. Unique 19-inch matte black alloy wheels, exclusive to the TRD model, are also implemented, each weighing 3.1 pounds less and being 0.5 inches wider than the standard XSE wheels. Inside, the Camry TRD receives red accents, including red seatbelts and red-illuminated gauges, further emphasizing its sporty character. Despite these performance and visual upgrades, the 2020 Toyota Camry TRD remains surprisingly affordable. With a sticker price starting around $38,000, it offers significant value for the enhancements it provides.
Driving Dynamics: Sporty, Not Quite a Sports Sedan
Behind the wheel, the 2020 Toyota Camry TRD reveals itself to be noticeably more agile and responsive than the standard Camry XSE. The XSE itself is already a competent handler, thanks in part to Toyota’s TNGA platform, which lowers the center of gravity. This same platform underpins the Lexus ES and other Toyota models, contributing to a more stable and planted feel.
However, it’s important to acknowledge that the Camry TRD is not a true sports sedan. Its front-wheel-drive configuration inherently leads to understeer and wheelspin when pushed hard, particularly during acceleration. The eight-speed automatic transmission, while generally smooth, can be hesitant to downshift quickly when requested. Furthermore, the transmission’s torque converter prevents bouncing off the rev limiter in manual mode, as it will automatically upshift before redline.
Despite these limitations, the 2020 Toyota Camry TRD offers a genuinely engaging driving experience. The naturally aspirated V6 engine provides strong acceleration, reaching 0-60 mph in under six seconds and completing the quarter-mile in around 14.5 seconds. The engine also delivers a pleasing sound, especially as it revs climb, enhanced by the TRD performance exhaust, which adds a subtle growl without being overly loud.
The Camry TRD feels solid and composed in corners, maintaining a flat stance and encouraging the driver to explore its limits. The brakes offer good stopping power for everyday driving, though they may exhibit fade after repeated hard stops, unlike dedicated sports sedans. The steering, while accurate, lacks feedback and doesn’t provide a strong sense of connection to the road.
In terms of overall refinement, the 2020 Toyota Camry TRD retains the characteristics of the current-generation Camry. The ride quality is surprisingly compliant for a sport-tuned model, and the cabin remains spacious and comfortable. However, the infotainment system still feels somewhat dated and complex compared to systems offered by competitors, particularly from South Korean and American brands.
Ultimately, the 2020 Toyota Camry TRD is a surprisingly enjoyable vehicle. Toyota’s willingness to create a performance-oriented version of its popular sedan is commendable and adds an unexpected element of excitement to the Camry lineup. It moves the Camry beyond its traditional image of a purely practical and reliable car, injecting some genuine fun into the mix. It’s definitely no longer a boring sedan.
While production numbers for the 2020 Toyota Camry TRD were limited to under 10,000 units for both the US and Canadian markets, its sub-$40,000 price point makes it a compelling value. This limited availability and unique character suggest that the 2020 Toyota Camry TRD is destined to become a future classic, offering a rare blend of Toyota reliability with unexpected sporty flair.
Clavey’s Verdict
Review of the 2020 Toyota Camry TRD by William Clavey Midsize Sedans
Pros:
- Impressive handling for a Camry
- Unique and aggressive styling
- Excellent value proposition
Cons:
- Not a true sports sedan
- Transmission can be slow to respond
- Infotainment system could be more user-friendly
Rating: 8 / 10
Clavey’s Corner is based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Prices and trim levels mentioned in this review reflect the Canadian market.
Special thanks to Toyota Canada for providing the test vehicle.
Photography by Guillaume Fournier.
